A biographical history of eminent and self-made men of the state of Indiana : with many portrait-illustrations on steel, engraved expressly for this work, Volume I, Part 110

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Cincinnati, Ohio : Western Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1038

USA > Indiana > A biographical history of eminent and self-made men of the state of Indiana : with many portrait-illustrations on steel, engraved expressly for this work, Volume I > Part 110

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Company, of Indianapolis, in the employment of which company he had served as actuary for the two years preceding. He still holds his office of secretary. During the last eight or ten years, the trouble previously ex- perienced by Mr. Hay gradually diappeared, so that he was able to devote a large portion of his time to preach- ing, for the most part supplying Churches unable to command the services of a minister the whole of the time. He organized the Ninth Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis, raised the money for the purchase of the ground and the erection of the present handsome frame edifice, and supplied its pulpit for two years. Though compelled to pursue some secular avocation, he never lost his zeal for the work of the Master; always ready to do whatever lies in his power to do, ever willing to take deep interest in any fellow-laborer, or to help a needy Church. He has delivered many addresses on subjects relating to foreign missions in Indiana and other states; he has never lost his rank as a minister, and every-where is cordially welcomed by his professional brethren, to many of whom he has been able to extend timely aid. To Mr. and Mrs. Hay have been born six children; two were born in India, and upon coming to America could speak no English; and, too, they were much entertained when came the first fall of snow, one declaring that some one had painted the ground white, while the other, more philosophical perhaps, observed that the clouds had fallen and were lying on the ground. In personal appearance he is very pleasing. His hair, grown gray to whiteness, seems to tell a story of toil and care. As a member of society, no one stands higher, while his unflinching integrity and genuine native man- hood have enabled him to maintain the status coming of his genial, honest mien. His fidelity to his calling, and his zeal under the most disheartening circumstances, sufficiently attest the worth of his character.

AYMOND, WILLIAM S., of Indianapolis, was born in Harrison County, Virginia, near Clarks- burg, February 20, 1823. His father was born {. in the same county, and resided there until his death, which occurred at an advanced age. His grandfather, William Haymond, was born in Frederick County, Maryland, not far from the city of Washington, and was of English ancestry. At an early day he was sent across the Alleghany Mountains to New Virginia, as it was then called, as a land surveyor. Before em- barking on this expedition and locating in the new country, he passed an examination as to his qualifica- tions at William and Mary's College, Virginia. He was endowed with rare mathematical ability, and few at that day possessed his thorough mathematical knowl- edge. He lived to an advanced age, and followed the

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business of land surveying during life, combining it. with farming. He held an official position in the colonial army near the close of the War of the Revolu- tion, and was a most esteemed and noted man among his countrymen. He wrote a practical and original treatise on trigonometry, but never published it. Cyrus Haymond, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a man of sterling integrity, and was endowed with great natural ability. His educational advantages were limited, as he grew up in a new country, amidst back- woodsmen, where schooling facilities, especially in the higher branches of knowledge, were few and meager. He received, however, a fair common school education,

and was well acquainted with the common branches of mathematics. He inherited the homestead mansion and farm, and followed, in the footsteps of his progenitor,

the business of land surveying and farming, which were uninterruptedly continued until he became an octoge-

narian, near the close of his life. His wife, Jane Som-

merville, was born in Ireland and came to America at the early age of five years. Her ancestral blood was derived through several branches of the European family-Irish, Scotch, and French. She was a woman of active temperament and vigorous intellect. William

S. Haymond, the subject of this biographical notice,

was the eldest of three sons born to these parents. His advent in this world happened when there was little in the local surroundings and circumstances calculated to stimulate the mind to literary pursuits. His early education was gained in the backwoods

schools of that day; a log school-house of primitive construction, with the greased paper windows, and benches without backs, arranged in the form of a hol- low square, was the only institution of learning accessi- ble to the young boy. Here he acquired the first principles of his education. In proportion, however, as

his opportunities were limited, in the same ratio his thirst for knowledge increased; and he relates with great gusto the tireless manner in which he procured a sum of money sufficient to purchase a few books, em- bracing a higher course of study. Meantime, as he grew to manhood, as the country more rapidly de- veloped, he found the acquisition of learning less diffi- cult, and at the age of eighteen he had added to his other accomplishments a thorough knowledge of mathe- matics. This brought him applications to teach school, which business he followed about two years. His last term was taught at the instance of his former esteemed teacher, the last except one from whom he had ever re- ceived instruction at school, who, continuing in the business professionally, found it necessary for him to extend his knowledge in mathematics to meet the in- creasing standard of requirements for teachers, and he humbly sat at the feet of his former pupil for instruc- tion. During this term the young man was as ardent as

ever in the pursuit of knowledge, and spent his hours unoccupied in teaching in studying the differential and integral calculus, usually regarded as the most abstruse and difficult branch of human knowledge, and immedi- ately thereafter studied Newton's method by the flux- ions, all of which he mastered by his own unaided efforts. Done with the business of teaching, which he had not designed to pursue professionally, he devoted his attention for some time to surveying and engineer- ing. He was appointed while quite young superintending engineer for the construction of a road through the mountains from Clarksburg to Buchanan, which en- gaged his time a year or two. At the age of twenty years he was regarded as one of the most accomplished mathematicians in the state. As it has been said,

"There is no royal road to learning," it may be ques-

tioned whether greater proficiency would have been at- tained if he had been favored with wealth, and had spent the usual routine of instruction within the walls of a college or university. Among the whole range of his acquaintances in that region who had been educated

in collegiate institutions, there were none recognized as his equals in solid attainments-or at least in mathe- matics. For two or three years he competed with scholars in the East and West in the solution of the twelve mathematical problems published annually in the Pittsburgh Almanac, edited by Sanford C. Hill, and distanced all competitors except one. The person here alluded to was recognized as one of the ablest mathematicians in Ohio. Some of the problems were difficult, and could only be solved by those having an extensive acquaintance with the higher mathematics. The editor spoke of the solutions as being " highly creditable to our Western schools," but he was doubt- less uninformed of the small part the schools contrib- uted to the highest results. When about twenty-three years old, he commenced the study of medicine under Doctor John Edmondson, of Clarksburg. After quali- fying himself for his profession, he moved West, and located at Monticello, Indiana, where he began the practice of medicine and surgery about the year 1852. He attended four courses of medical lectures, two in the West and two in the East, and is a graduate of two medical colleges, one of which is the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, of New York City. His modest and unassuming deportment did not at first bring business to his hands, and he quietly waited several months without a patient, but in the mean time pressed forward with his studies. A tidal wave of temperance sweep- ing over the town about this time gave the young doc- tor an opportunity for displaying his ability, in a speech which he delivered at a teetotal meeting at the request of some of its members, fairly electrifying his audience with the eloquence of his oratory and his mas- terly handling of the subject. Such a speech, coming

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from a young man who was a comparative stranger, formed the topic of conversation for many days. In compliance with a general desire, he repeated it, two weeks later, to an audience which filled the church to overflowing. The effect was to place him in the front rank of the intellectual men of that vicinity. From this time he rapidly rose in his profession, and a year later took his position as the leading physician of the county-a distinction he ever afterwards enjoyed. As a physician and surgeon, he ranked with the foremost men of his profession in the north-western part of the state, and has at different times contributed valuable papers to the medical journals. But his attainments do not rest here. While busily engaged in his practice, for several years he devoted himself daily to the study of languages. This course embraced Latin, Greek, French, German, Spanish, and Italian. His range of reading, too, has been extensive, including nearly every sub- ject connected with science. He also made it a reg- ular habit each year to review geometry and other branches of mathematics. In addition to these du- ties of a public and private nature, he took an active part in all public enterprises calculated to ad- vance the interests and prosperity of the people. After the election of Mr. Lincoln to the presidency, in 1860, when the secession movement threatened the dismem- berment of the Union, he favored the policy of a peace- able settlement by compromise, but, if that were im- possible, he felt sure that the Union cause would be strengthened by thus casting the onus of blame upon the extreme secession element. When secession became an accomplished fact, and war inevitable, he advocated in a public speech that bold and decisive measures should be taken, and favored Douglas's plan of calling out three hundred thousand men, and to push the war with the utmost vigor. He commenced raising a company under the first call of the President for seventy-five thou- sand men, and, after enlisting about forty volunteers, he learned that the quota was already full, which led to the immediate abandonment of his purpose. In the fall of 1861, when a more vigorous prosecution of the war was entered upon, he applied for and obtained the position of assistant surgeon in the 46th Indiana Regi- ment. He remained in the army till 1863 when, his health having become impaired by severe labors and exposures, he was compelled to relinquish his post and return home. During his service in the army he was detailed for important duties on several occasions at general hospitals. After the recovery of his health he resumed the business of his profession at Monticello, and continued so engaged without material interruption for several years. In 1866 he received the unanimous nom- ination by the Democrats and Liberals as their candi- date for the state Senate; but, the opposite party having an overwhelming majority in that district, he was, after

a gallant race, defeated. In 1872 he was elected presi- dent of the Indianapolis, Delphi and Chicago Railroad Company, and held the office until after his election to Congress, two years later. He was the first person in the West who saw clearly the importance of opening a through railroad line which would give the Western States direct trade by the way of Port Royal with South America, the West Indies, and Europe. On this subject he addressed, by special invitation, a joint railroad con- vention in Augusta, Georgia, in May, 1873. The project having attracted wide-spread attention, a company was formed, of which Mr. Haymond was made president. At an immense railroad convention held in Chicago in October, 1873, the proposed road was strongly favored. Bankers of large capital and credit had pledged sub- stantial aid to the enterprise, when the panic inaugu- rated by the failure of Jay Cooke so unsettled financial matters that it was deemed advisable to suspend further operations until a more auspicious time. In 1874 he received, without any solicitation, the unanimous nomi- nation to Congress from the Tenth (Schuyler Colfax's) District, and was triumphantly elected-the first Demo- cratic victory in twenty-two years. His course in Con- gress was conservative and statesmanlike, and free from every tinge of demagogy. He was one of the limited few in that body who seemed to regard the interests of the country as paramount to party. He retired from that. position of honor at the close of his term-March 4, 1877 -- with many friends in both organizations, and with unsullied integrity. Judge William Lawrence, one of the leading members in the opposite party from Ohio, entertained a favorable opinion of his abilities. He pro- nounced his speech on the "Vermont debate," which came up in the electoral court, "exceedingly excellent," and said that "Mr. Haymond was the right kind of a man to send to Congress." His speech was a well- timed, patriotic effort, in which, notwithstanding the threatening attitude of political matters, he expressed full confidence in the ability of the American people to govern themselves, and that the stability of our institu- tions would not be disturbed by the decision of the question at issue. This speech met a favorable response, and he was warmly congratulated by many distinguished members and others. His eulogy on the death of the lamented speaker, Hon. Michael C. Kerr, was pronounced by competent judges the finest literary effort made on the occasion. He served on the Committee on Banking and Currency with distinction, soon becoming one of the most active, diligent, and efficient members. His modest deportment and reticence at first gave but little indication what his standing on that committee would be, but his unexceptionable ability and close log- ical reasoning soon gave him a prominence among his brethren that is best illustrated by "Sunset " Cox's reply to Mr. Wilson, who desired to make a speech on the sub-

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ject of finance, and applied to Cox for information. Cox answered: " You go and see Haymond; he knows more about finance than any man on the committee, and will give you all the information you desire ;" and he did as directed. His speech ôn internal improvements at- tracted much attention in certain quarters, and a large edition was called for. In England, it is said to have received special notice by the press, on account of cer- tain views it contained in relation to international com- merce, and was there republished in whole or part. This speech gave a strong impulse to the movement first suggested by Mr. Haymond, and spoken of above, to open a new direct trade channel, through Port Royal harbor as the entrepot, between the Western and South- arn States, South and Central America, the West In- dies, and Europe. And this movement has since as- sumed a positive shape by the formation of a corpora- tion under the laws of New York, entitled the " Port Royal Harbor Shipping and Improvement Company ;" and Mr. Haymond, on account of his early conception of its importance, and his advocacy of the measure, has been elected its president. This company proposes to found a new commercial emporium at Port Royal, which is admitted to be one of the best harbors on the Atlantic seaboard, and establish lines of steamers to South and Central America, the West Indies, and Europe, build docks, warehouses, elevators, and other shipping facilities adequate for the most extensive com- mercial purposes. The feasibility of the enterprise is no longer doubted, and the probabilities of early suc- cess are considered encouraging. Mr. Haymond, with his enlarged and comprehensive views, is fully con- vinced that an immense future traffic will be carried on between the interior of the United States and the vast region lying south and south-east of them, and that Port Royal is the natural and only adequate gate-way for this commerce; and he holds that it possesses all the ele- ments or factors for becoming the future great city of the South, and one of the first maritime emporiums in the world. Behind it lies a broader domain of produc- tive tributary country than is commanded by any other seaport on the globe, and the building of the Cincinnati Southern Railroad, and other partly completed or pro- jected roads, is gradually opening the way and pre- paring the West and South for a vast enlargement of their commercial facilities and extension of their com- mercial relations. Through this grand project and those accessory to it, he foresees that growing intimacy be- tween the West and South that will desectionalize the country, cement both sections, and all sections, in a bond of common interest ; infuse new blood, life, and energy in the South; firmly establish the commercial supremacy of the United States, as well as usher in a period of prosperity and national opulence such as the world has never beheld. As this country is yet young

and unlimited in opportunities, it can hardly be ques- tioned that his views are well founded. Mr. Haymond was renominated for Congress in 1876, but met with a serious accident about the last of August of that year, which came near terminating his life. It confined him to bed for several months. Of course, it is impossible to say, that with the prestige of former success, his ac- knowledged ability and popularity, what might have been the result of the election had he been able to take the field and the management in his own hands. It was the presidential year; party lines were closely drawn, and Indiana made the battle-field of the contest between the two great political parties. The district was Republican by a large majority, and one they had always counted certain for their party. That he was defeated by a small majority under such circumstances could not diminish an iota of his well-earned reputation, or lessen him in public confidence. He was confined to his bed from August till November, and was more concerned about his recovery than his election to Con- gress. Doctor Haymond possesses in a pre-eminent de- gree those qualities of mind adapted to generalization and systemization. He is endowed with rare executive or administrative ability, and, as an organizer, has few, if any, superiors. In deportment he is modest, suave, and rather reticent, but his social qualities are pleasant and lasting with those who have made his acquaint- ance. Desiring to occupy a new field of labor for which he had a preference, and lessen the physical drudgery under which he was tiring through profes- sional labors, he removed, shortly after the close of his congressional term, to Indianapolis, where he now re- sides. Since living in his new home he has taken time to revise the " History of Indiana " for the publisher, and is closely devoting himself to literary and profes- sional labors, and giving direction to the great enter- prise of which he is president. He took an active and leading part in the organization of the new Medical College at Indianapolis-the Central College of Phy- sicians and Surgeons-and has been elected to its chair of principles and practice of surgery.

EINER, FREDERICK, state law librarian, was born in Bath County, Kentucky, on the 2d of Sep- tember, 1852. His father, Samuel, is of German extraction, while his mother, Rossalinda, comes of the old Scotch-Gaelic. Her father, James McGregor, was born in Dublin. When he was but one year of age, his father, with the family, moved to Iowa, and settled near Des Moines. After a residence here in the West of eight years, they returned to Kentucky, and, until 1861 they lived in the town of Poplar Plains, Fleming County. Here it was that Frederick began his

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education by an attendance upon the common schools. In | C. Henderson, who married Mary Piercy. They were 1861 his father moved again, this time into the rugged, mountainous portion of Fleming County. His home, however, was but temporary. The region being infested with marauding parties, he was forced, in company with his family, to leave the country. They took with them about all that was left, two horses, and crossing the river into Indiana made their way to Decatur County. His father returned to Kentucky and brought all the family then at home to Indiana, where they still reside.

In 1869 Frederick entered the State University at Bloom- ington, at which institution he graduated in 1872, hav- ing completed the scientific course. During his attend- ance at college, he was compelled to labor under many disadvantages, and nothing but the powers of applica- tion he acquired from his parents would have enabled him to pursue his studies so persistently and through so many difficulties. Having little money he was obliged to do his own cooking, or to "keep bach," in the phraseology of the student; and he was also forced to put the work of two terms in one rather than fall be- hind his class. When he left college his broken health showed only too plainly his hard work and too close application. He came to Indianapolis and secured em- ployment in the office of the county recorder. He continued to work here until November 1, 1874, when he was appointed by the Supreme Court to the office of state law librarian. This position he filled until Jan- uary 1, 1877, at which time the term of the court mak- ing the appointment expired. He was reappointed by the new court upon their coming into office. There is not a little to be admired in a course like this of Mr. Heiner's. The ambition which led him to sacrifice so much in the pursuance of his studies has prompted him to attain the honorable place he now holds, while his sterling social qualities and genuine manhood will always secure for him a high standing in the estimation of his friends, and win the esteem of his enemies. Mr. Heiner is a Democrat in his political views, and has chosen the law as his profession. In appearance he is rather below the average in height, heavy, and well- knit. His eyes are light, while his hair is dark, and on his face he wears the marks of study. Of a very kindly disposition, he readily makes friends of those with whom he may come into contact, and his urbanity gives him an address that can not fail of appreciation.

born and brought up in Shelby County, Kentucky, married in July, 1831, and came to Morgan County, Indiana, the subsequent fall. Here his father entered eighty acres of land, five miles south of the county seat, in a heavily timbered section, and had a cabin erected upon it, after the style of the early settlers. By industry, economy, and indomitable energy, there was added year by year forty and eighty acres of land to the original purchase, as prosperity smiled upon the new-comers, until a farm was opened of three hundred and sixty acres, and new buildings erected that were noted in those early days for convenience and symmetry of style. His father died at his home January 8, 1867, having commanded during his life the respect of all who knew him, as one of the leading and enterprising men of his county. His mother remained a widow, and re- sides with her only son. His education in his early life consisted of what could be obtained by attending three months' public school during the winter months of each year. The building in which the school was held was erected on one of the corners of his father's farm, the teacher generally boarding with them. This afforded him some night advantages not possessed by other scholars of the school. He must have assiduously availed himself of his opportunities, for at the age of twenty he was prepared to enter the State University at Bloomington, where he remained two years. His tastes running particularly to mathematics, he was satisfied with having taken the scientific course of study only. On returning home, he found the health of his father failing, and took charge of the farm; and, under the advice of that cautious parent, money was rapidly made by trading in stock. In 1856 he married Miss Ann E. Hunt, the daughter of a neighboring farmer, and for whom an attachment had been formed in early life. Soon after marriage, he entered the office of the county treasurer as deputy, which position he occupied four years, then, in 1860, receiving the nomination of the Democratic party for treasurer. The county having at that time from three to four hundred Republican ma- jority, it seemed impossible for a pronounced Democrat to succeed ; but by an energetic canvass, and the sup- port of many prominent Republicans, he was elected by twenty-five votes. He was in 1862 again nominated by acclamation for the same office, when the excitement of the hour, and false charges of disloyalty by opposing politicians, resulting in the nomination of a renegade from the party as a " War Democrat," succeeded in de- feating him by nineteen votes, the party losing the county by three hundred and fifty majority against it. From 1862 to 1868 the Democrats kept up their or- ganization in Morgan County, although hopelessly

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A biographical history of eminent and self-made men of the state of Indiana : with many portrait-illustrations on steel, engraved expressly for this work, Volume I, Part 110

Author: Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Cincinnati, Ohio : Western Biographical Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1038

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Cincinnati, Ohio : Western Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1038